Curves

HisJellyBean

any lady's Here A member Of Curves? I am thinking of joining to get some weight lifting in m workout routine but I would like to get some info/Success stories involving curves, they have some on the website but I trust MFP's more than the website.

numindan

I did Curves for a few months a number of years ago and left out of frustration with their staff. The late teens/20 something teeny bopper employees had no sports or nutrition training but spouted off the latest health style myths and legends as if they were gospel.

The last straw was when one screamed at me that I couldn't skip a machine in their circuit, even when the place was empty. I informed them that I wasn't going to use parts of their circuit that my physiotherapist had advised against using as I was recovering from an injury.

After that it was abundantly apparent that Curves wasn't the right place for me.

As far as their circuit goes - the machines are limited range of movement and resistance based. Most are isolation based as opposed to compound activities. You'll get out of them what you put in.

Knowing now what I didn't then, I'd advise to skip Curves and just head straight to lifting heavy (keeping in mind that "lifting heavy" just means heavy for you) with dumb bells, barbells. In the beginning you can get a great workout using just using body weight/resistance exercises (chin ups, pull ups, push ups, squats, lunges, etc.). If you don't want to find a personal trainer at a gym, or don't have access to one, I'd recommend the Stronglifts, Starting Strength or New Rules of Lifting for Women programs/books as a good starting place.